Social Networking for Businesses Comes to the Mt. Airy Business Association

Philadelphia, PA, --- “Ask the average business owner if a commitment to social networking is a part of their business plan and you may receive a raise of an eye brow in response,” says Kim Miller, MABA President. Many business owners don't realize that their customers are online discussing their business. Social sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are fast becoming an essential aspect of any businesses marketing mix.

Image via CrunchBase

Thursday, February 12, 2009
8:15 - 9:50 a.m.
Carson Valley School
6700 Germantown Avenue
FREE
Participants should RSVP via http://philadelphia-social-networking.eventbrite.com/

Participants should RSVP via http://philadelphia-social-networking.eventbrite.com/

All are welcome to attend the Mt. Airy Business Association’s February
Program, Social Networking for Businesses, on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at
Carson Valley School 6700 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA. 19119. The
Association’s regular monthly meeting is held on the second Thursday of every
month. We begin at 8:15 a.m. with networking and a light breakfast,
at 9:00 the formal program begins with updates from MABA committees and members
and the workshop immediately follows. Meeting adjourns at 9:50 a.m.

This interactive workshop will be facilitated by JC Lamkin, PMP,
president of Gypsy Lane Technologies
(GLT), a professional Internet solutions company. GLT specializes
in best-in-class social media, webcasting, online marketing,
Flash multimedia and content management solutions. GLT features an
integrated team of web consultants, creative designers, writers, coders and
marketing professionals who know how to get online results. Ms.
Lamkin will also be available to sign copies of her book, “Fabulous &
Tech-Filled, Volume 1”.

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Contact staff writer Karen Haber at 215-843-1039

Barcampphilly

Like Podcampphilly, BarcampPhilly is sort of a lecture for computer users (mostly social media) who understand that collaboration is the key to learning. However, instead of one person doing all of the talking, everyone discusses their own experiences with a certain topic. This knowledge sharing technique is unique in that normally, opinion leaders prefer to hoarde information for themselves. The feeling is that hording will give them an edge. Barcamp operates on a different premise.

During the November 8, 2008 Barcampphilly, over 100 computer user collaborated on ROI for Social Media (Bus./Mktg.); Using Social Networks for Social Change: facebook, myspace & more (especially for nonprofits) ; Building Better Web Developers - What should colleges be teaching?, What Tech stuff is Happening in Philly and more.

Located in the University of the Arts, this un-conference had intentional focus on openness and collaborative learning.

Myspace joins the Department of Homeland Security?

When logging in to their Myspace accounts, the last news item that most users would expect to see is a note from "Tom" announcing the popular social network's partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security has asked MySpace to help distribute information about Hurricane Gustav. This information includes links to "How to Get Help", "Finding Friends & Family", "Health & Safety", "Donate & Volunteer", and "What Government is Doing".

While this isn't the first time that Myspace has worked with security officials, it is the first time that this union has bordered blatant self-promotion of a government agency. Yes, let's call it what it really is. After Katrina, our government learned that it is important to use every available outlet to let citizens know "What Government is Doing".


Although It is encouraging to know that our government is learning to use social media to increase the potential for a successful evacuation and rescue programme, one must consider the pros/cons of this type of union. Will Myspace and other social networks be swayed by Big Brother? This is an obvious concern.

Can government agencies truly effectively harness the power of social media without violating citizen privacy?